The HofGarden announces return of iconic Ball Rise on New Year’s Eve

RICHMOND, Va. – One of Richmonder’s favorite New Year events will return to the skyline.

The iconic Ball Rise is the brainchild of Todd A. Schall-Vess, manager of the Byrd Theatre. The Carytown event ended in 2012 after a wildly successful seven-year run that officials said was becoming to crowded and expensive to host. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery last hosted the event in 2013.

This year the HofGarden, a three-story event venue and German beer hall, located in the Hofheimer Building in Scott’s Addition, plans to host the Ball Rise.

The Hofheimer Building was built in 1928 for the Herold R. Hofheimer Rug Company and housed Adam’s Camera in the 70s and 80s.

Owners of the Hofheimer said both the Byrd Theatre and the Hofheimer Building were built in 1928.

“I think it’s pretty neat that the tradition will be moving from one 89-year-old building to another,” Schall-Vess said.

Bobby Kruger, the general manager of The HofGarden, said that they have submitted permits to erect the tower. He noted that the event is ticketed and the ball rise is not part of a street festival like it was in Carytown.

Thousands would attend the Carytown event

“We’re thrilled to have this tradition come to Scott’s Addition,” he said. “If the community embraces the idea it could grow to an outdoor event in years to come.”

Organizers are planning that the ball rise will take place on the venue’s rooftop bar, during the annual New Year’s Eve party.

This year’s theme is based on Rio de Janeiro’s Rio Carnival.

There will be musical performances by DC’s Black Masala, Andrew Alli & the Mainline, and crowd favorite, DJ Duffy.